It’s the height of arts season and “the look of love” is in our eyes as we chat with Valley stager and concert promotor, Danny Zelisko, about the highlights of his 50-year career, the upcoming Todd Rundgren tribute to Burt Bacharach and his top picks for shows this spring. Hey, now!
Danny! You’re well into your 50th year booking and promoting musical acts across the country, essentially putting Arizona on the map in the world of entertainment. You also had a hand in opening one of the most beloved amphitheaters in the Valley, Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre, then known as Desert Sky Pavilion, booking Billy Joel for the inaugural show. Wow! During your career, what accomplishment are you most proud of?
The biggest is still being here after over 50 years, since I began this career in the early ’70s. There is no bigger thrill than watching a show you helped create with great musicians and their people to bring a great night out to the fans.
You had a working relationship with Jess Nicks who owned The Compton Terrace, a rock ‘n’ roll hotspot in the Valley from the late ’70s to early ’80s, and father of icon, Stevie Nicks! Do you have any stories about working with her and/or her family during this time?
Getting to meet Jess back in ’74 when I tried to book Buckingham Nicks here in Phoenix, which sadly never panned out. I had to talk to Jess about booking them, which opened up an incredible friendship we enjoyed for over 30 years. When he was ready to retire, he called to arrange a meeting where he signed Compton Terrace over to me so I could continue booking it!
Any other star-studded anecdotes you’d care to share?
Recently, I was asked to produce In Memory of Dickie Betts in their Allman Brothers town of Macon, Georgia. Truly historic and great fun. Starting Christmas Pudding with Alice and Sheryl Cooper all those years ago. Booking the Celebrity Theatre and Talking Stick for so many years. Doing the very first Lollapalooza in 1991 at Compton Terrace, not to mention naming the event with its creator, Perry Farrell. ALSO, I was thrilled to put on a show with Burt [Bacharach] at Talking Stick some years ago.
As a huge fan of the late, great, hit-making songwriter and pianist Burt Bacharach, I see you have a show coming up on March 26 featuring his music but headlined by none other than Todd Rundgren! Tell me how this stellar ensemble came to be and what fans can expect at the show?
Todd likes to honor musicians that he loves, and Burt is one of them, like the Beatles and Bowie, which he has also performed the music of. He and his people put together superstar bands so he can play their music his way but respectfully and give people something different every time he comes out and plays. Todd is a musical chameleon; you never know what’s next, except it is always fun and genius. Like him. I have been doing shows with Todd since the ’70s and it is a treat as well as an honor to be his friend and associate.
What Bacharach song are you most excited to hear?
Burt wrote some of the greatest songs ever featuring Dusty Springfield and Dionne Warwick, to name a few. “What the World Needs Now” has always been my favorite. “This Guy’s in Love” that Herb Alpert did an amazing job with, too.
What are some other concerts taking place in the Valley this spring that you’re particularly excited about?
Very much looking forward to having Graham Nash in April and Diana Krall return in May!
How do people purchase tickets to these shows?
dzplive.com
What’s with the White Castle burger packaging?! Every time we have purchased something from your company, it has arrived in a WC box. Is this a clever way of recycling or is there a story behind it?
I was inducted into the WC Hall of Fame a few years ago and they are happy to let me send stuff out in their boxes! Super great people with a legendary product that happen to make great boxes, and I am proud to use them!
